2511 – Aquatic Modalities for Spasticity and Contractures

Intermediate / Pre-Conference Pool Workshop

Las Vegas, NV / Thursday, September 23, 2010 – 7:30 am-4:30 pm – 8.0 credit hours equal to 8.0 CECs/.8 CEUs

Pool: 7:30-9:30 am

Classroom: 9:30-11:30 am

Lunch on own: 11:30 am-12:30 pm

Classroom: 12:30-3:00 pm

Pool: 3:00-4:30 pm

Chicago, IL / Thursday, November 18, 2010 – 7:30 am-4:30 pm – 8.0 credit hours equal to 8.0 CECs/.8 CEUs

Pool: 7:30-9:30 am

Classroom: 9:30-11:30 am

Lunch on own: 11:30 am-12:30 pm

Classroom: 12:30-3:00 pm

Pool: 3:00-4:30 pm

Faculty: Julia Fettig, CTRS, CMT, ATRIC

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Focus on the unique nature of spasticity and contractures and how these conditions respond to aquatic therapy. Participants will learn specific applications of select aquatic modalities for the treatment of spastic and contracted motor disorders. Recognize the differences and types of spasticity and contractures as well as examine available assessment tools for aquatic application. The aquatic practitioner will gain valuable insight to the use of aquatic therapy to maximize relaxation and increase tissue elasticity and joint mobility, as well as, to facilitate a functional response for stabilization. The aquatic practitioner will be introduced to the need for neuromuscular balance through appropriate use of ROM, velocity, breath, timing and resistance. The gradual release of agonist - antagonist using select treatment strategies from Aquatic PNF Patterns, Bad Ragaz Ring Methodã, Halliwickã, and Myofascial Aquaticsã will be practiced along with hands on applications of tactile cuing and manual aquatic treatments.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

1) Examine spasticity specific aquatic therapy accommodations and aquatic factors to consider for individuals with spasticity and/or contracture.

2) Focus on treatment goals depending upon level of spasmodic activity.

3) Practice the inhibitory/facilitatory philosophy of the Halliwick Method through disengagement and changing directions through the transverse plane.

4) Learn select Myofascial aquatic techniques used for decreasing muscle tone and increasing pain-free ROM.

5) Demonstrate a PNF upper and lower extremity pattern utilizing rhythmic initiation and rhythmic stabilization.

6) Learn select Bad Ragaz treatment patterns and their specific applications to reduce muscle tone, elongate shortened musculature, and inhibit muscle over-activity during active movements.

7) Demonstrate isokinetic closed chain exercises to facilitate co-ordination and timing of movement patterns.

FACULTY: Julia Fettig, CTRS, CMT, ATRIC, is the founder/owner of Therapeutic Aquatics, Inc. and aquatictherapyinfo.com, specializing in consulting, information and rehabilitation. She is a presenter for the Aquatic Therapy Rehab Institute, Inc. and is the author and publisher of The "Bad Ragaz Ring Method Visual Instructional Manual and Video". Also co-producer of “PNF in The Pool” Video, she is the recipient of the ATRI 2002 Tsunami Spirit Award for her innovation, creativity and implementation of new ideas. Her workshops have been received enthusiastically by national and international audiences.